Every parent knows that caring for a sick child is a daunting experience. Even the simplest ailments, like a cold, can feel overwhelming when it’s your little one dealing with the discomfort. Add a fever into the mix, and the situation can shift dramatically.
For parents of young children, fevers can be perplexing. What temperature is considered a fever? How high is too high? Should I administer Tylenol, ibuprofen, or both? How frequently should I give medicine? What if the fever doesn’t respond? Thankfully, we have temporal thermometers and triage nurses to help navigate these concerns. However, one alarming symptom of fever caught me completely off guard: the febrile seizure.
It was an ordinary day in our household. My two boys, ages three and eighteen months, were happily playing in the living room while I prepared lunches for our trip to the zoo. My partner was loading the cooler and wagon into the car when my youngest began to fuss. I assumed it was just that he was tired and ready for his nap.
We decided to pause our plans and comfort him. As I held him, I noticed he felt a bit warm, so I checked his temperature—it was around 100 degrees. I gave him some Tylenol and settled back in the rocking chair, thinking nothing more of it.
As I rocked him, he began to doze off, his little eyes fluttering shut. Suddenly, he twitched, which startled me, but soon we both relaxed again. However, he twitched once more, and this time something felt off. His body stiffened in my arms, and when I looked at his face, his eyes were rolled back in his head. He was arching his back and trembling. This was not normal.
“Something is WRONG! Come here now!” I yelled for my partner, Mark. He rushed in, horrified by the sight. I quickly informed him that I believed our baby was having a seizure. I handed the baby over and called 911 while Mark reassured our older son, “It’s okay, buddy. He’s okay.” But in my heart, I knew things weren’t okay. The seizure seemed to drag on, and I felt increasingly panicked. The 911 operator calmly guided me through the steps: lay him on a flat surface away from hazards, let the seizure happen, and don’t put anything in his mouth. I timed the seizure, knowing that most febrile seizures last less than three minutes while the paramedics were on their way.
What felt like an eternity finally ended, and my son lay limp on the floor. I could tell he was alive, but fear gripped me. Would he be the same joyful child? Would he suffer any lasting effects? I was blindsided by this experience since I knew fevers could be serious, but I had never heard of febrile seizures.
By the time the paramedics arrived, we had calmed down a bit. My son was beginning to stir but remained lethargic. Distraught, I couldn’t drive, so we took an ambulance to the children’s hospital. Once there, the nurses checked his temperature—it was 104 degrees. They provided fluids and medication to lower it and informed me about febrile seizures.
Febrile seizures are triggered by fever, and at the time, there was some debate about whether it was due to the temperature being too high or rising too quickly. About one in twenty children will experience a febrile seizure, which makes me wonder why parents aren’t better educated about this common occurrence. Fortunately, most children outgrow them by age five.
Now, my son is seven and hasn’t had a seizure in a few years, although he did experience one every time he had a fever when he was younger. Understanding what to do made those moments less terrifying.
What to Do If Your Child Has a Seizure
If your child has a seizure, remember to stay calm. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends laying your child down in a safe space, free from obstacles, and placing them on their side to keep the airway clear. Do not put anything in their mouth. Time the seizure; most febrile seizures last less than three minutes. Call 911 if the seizure goes beyond this duration or if your child doesn’t regain consciousness. Afterward, your child may be drowsy, and while it might be wise to give fever-reducing medication, always consult your pediatrician first.
Febrile seizures can be frightening, but they are not uncommon and usually pose no lasting danger. Being prepared can ease the stress for everyone involved. If your child is diagnosed with febrile seizures, ensure that all caregivers are informed about the necessary steps to take.
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In summary, febrile seizures can be a shocking experience for parents, but with knowledge and preparedness, you can navigate these situations with confidence.
Keyphrase: Febrile seizures in children
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